Sustainable energy organisation Renewable Energy Solutions for Africa Foundation (RES4Africa) and social change organisation E4Impact Foundation have signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) to collaborate in advancing entrepreneurship and capacity-building initiatives within Africa’s energy sector.

This strategic partnership aims to leverage the strengths of both organisations to foster sustainable electrification, promote business acceleration and enhance knowledge transfer across the continent.

The organisations note that the agreement highlights the shared commitment of RES4Africa and E4Impact to support African entrepreneurs, professionals and youth through incubation and acceleration services, as well as vocational and managerial training programmes, including specialised Master of Business Administrations, workshops and tailored capacity-building initiatives.

The organisations also explain that, with RES4Africa’s in-depth expertise in renewable energy and E4Impact’s broad presence across African countries and experience in supporting local business development, the partnership will play a crucial role in fostering innovation and investment in the clean energy sector.

RES4Africa has long been a key player in promoting clean energy solutions, facilitating dialogue between public and private stakeholders, and supporting the development of energy policies as well as innovation through young entrepreneurs to improve electricity access in Africa.

Meanwhile, E4Impact has a strong track record in supporting African startups, empowering local businesses, and forging strategic partnerships between African and international companies, the organisations note.

Under the terms of the MoU, the two organisations will collaborate on several initiatives, including support to startups and entrepreneurs in Africa, organisation of joint events, outreach activities and the development of innovative projects aimed at strengthening Africa’s renewable-energy ecosystem.

They will explore opportunities to enhance entrepreneurial capacities in the energy sector through targeted training programmes, with the goal of equipping business leaders and innovators with the skills necessary to drive sustainable development.

“The transition to a sustainable and resilient energy future in Africa requires more than just investment in infrastructure, it demands a well-equipped generation of entrepreneurs and energy professionals who can drive innovation and local solutions.

“This partnership with E4Impact represents a crucial step in combining our expertise in renewable energy with their extensive experience in business development and entrepreneurship.

“Together, we will create meaningful opportunities for capacity-building, knowledge-sharing, and fostering a thriving ecosystem of energy leaders capable of shaping Africa’s green transition,” says RES4Africa secretary general Roberto Vigotti.

"We are excited about this collaboration, as we recognise a strong complementarity between our visions: E4Impact has been specialising for years in supporting and developing entrepreneurship in Africa, while RES4Africa boasts solid experience in the renewable-energy sector.

“Thanks to E4Impact's extensive presence in 21 African countries, we can join forces to maximise the impact of our initiatives.

“We firmly believe in the importance of strategic synergies like the one established today with RES4Africa in order to promote sustainable and innovative development on the African continent through training programmes, networking and knowledge transfer,” says E4Impact Foundation CEO Mario Molteni.

The MoU is set to remain in effect for three years, with both organisations committed to identifying further synergies and expanding their joint efforts to support Africa’s transition to a clean energy future.